What are some important physics equations for a physics calculator?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter eNathan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    List
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on essential physics equations for developing a physics calculator. Key equations mentioned include the Lorentz Transformation, gravitational equations, and fundamental formulas such as \(e = mc^2\), \(F = ma\), and \(KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\). The participants emphasize the importance of including equations from various physics domains, including mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics. Additionally, suggestions for advanced features like derivative and integral calculations are proposed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fundamental physics concepts such as mechanics and thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with mathematical equations and their applications in physics.
  • Basic programming skills for implementing a physics calculator.
  • Knowledge of unit conversion principles and their implementation in software.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implementation of the Lorentz Transformation in programming.
  • Explore advanced physics equations in thermodynamics and optics.
  • Learn about numerical methods for calculating derivatives and integrals in software.
  • Investigate existing physics calculators for feature inspiration and design ideas.
USEFUL FOR

Physics enthusiasts, software developers creating educational tools, and educators looking to enhance their teaching resources with a comprehensive physics calculator.

eNathan
Messages
351
Reaction score
2
Hello. I am making a physics calculator and I need some equations. I am going to implement the Lorenz Transformation, some Gravity equations, and some other ones. Unfortautly I don't know (off hand) many equations, much less how to "group" or "catagorize" them.

Any help? :rolleyes:

If anybody wants the software just PM me, trust me its better than using a calculator and it has full "unit conversion" support. For instance, for speed units you can put something crazy like "50.8 kilo miles every 2 decades" and the code can actually compute it! Impressive conversion eh?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
C'mon I am sure a lot of people here know tons of ''common' equations.
 
scienceworld.wolfram.com might be a good place to go.

Incidentally, have you played with google's calculator? :smile:
 
Hurkyl said:
scienceworld.wolfram.com might be a good place to go.

Incidentally, have you played with google's calculator? :smile:

What are you imposing? :smile: I have to hand it to google, there conversion calculator is as good as mines. I did use google to get my conversion factors for my code.

Im checking out that site now btw
 
\sqrt {1- \frac {v^2} {c^2} }

T = \sqrt { \frac {2d} {g} }
hence
d = \frac {2T^2} {g}
and we can't forget
e = mc^2

Any other famous equations?

Thx!
 
Last edited:
Are you interested only on binary equations (involving two variables)?
 
Not at all. It can have 10 variables I don't really care. Just as long as the equation is somewhat usfull. I mean, we all know things like s = \frac {d} {t}

Any help?
 
I was thinking that you were going to model it like a calculator, defining new operators. For example you could define operator <velocity>, say with a sign #, and the user would press: 5, #, 2, =, to calculate

v = \frac{5}{2}.

I think it will be necessary for you to include all the important physics formulae, not only from mechanics, but also from other areas: thermodynamics, waves, optics, etc.

Some suggestions:

v = \frac{d}{t}

a = \frac{v - v_0}{t}

x = x_0 + v_0t + \frac{at^2}{2}

F = ma

p = mv

W = Fdcos\theta

KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2

PE_G = mgh

F_G = G\frac{m1m2}{r^2}

F_E = k\frac{q1q2}{r^2}

v = f\lambda

\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}

and other formulas, of course (relativistic for example)

If you are ambitius, put also the ability to find derivatives, and why not also integrate.

v = \frac{dx}{dt}

W = \int_{x_1}^{x_2}Fdx
 
ramollari said:
I was thinking that you were going to model it like a calculator, defining new operators. For example you could define operator <velocity>, say with a sign #, and the user would press: 5, #, 2, =, to calculate

v = \frac{5}{2}.

I think it will be necessary for you to include all the important physics formulae, not only from mechanics, but also from other areas: thermodynamics, waves, optics, etc.

Some suggestions:

v = \frac{d}{t}

a = \frac{v - v_0}{t}

x = x_0 + v_0t + \frac{at^2}{2}

F = ma

p = mv

W = Fdcos\theta

KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2

PE_G = mgh

F_G = G\frac{m1m2}{r^2}

F_E = k\frac{q1q2}{r^2}

v = f\lambda

\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{u} + \frac{1}{v}

and other formulas, of course (relativistic for example)

If you are ambitius, put also the ability to find derivatives, and why not also integrate.

v = \frac{dx}{dt}

W = \int_{x_1}^{x_2}Fdx

My idea of a calculator is way different from yours I think. And I don't understand half of the equations you gave me. Sorry if I sounds "ungrateful''. I am really more or a programmer than a physicists. I just like physics (but have never taken a course concerning it).

Also, can sombody please explain how to use the relavistic velocity equation which takes the form of w = \frac {u + v} {1 + \frac{uv} {c2} }
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 76 ·
3
Replies
76
Views
6K
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K